In a statement issued on Thursday, Torbay and South Devon Healthcare Foundation Trust said the charges did not relate to her work in the South West.

A trust spokeswoman said: “We have now seen the charges against Ms Vasco-Knight. Whilst they reference South Devon Healthcare, as far as we are aware they do not relate to trust business. We understand that they relate to the national role held by Ms Vasco-Knight whilst she was chief executive with us. We are unable to comment further as legal proceedings are now underway, but will be able to do so once sub judice restrictions are lifted.”

South Devon Healthcare Foundation Trust attempted to cover up a report that contained accusations of “nepotism” against its chief executive, who also holds a major NHS England role, a tribunal has found.